A Ladies Adventure Around Cornwall

The south-west corner of England enjoys a more temperate climate than the remainder of the country. Our tour features a diverse selection activities along with the charming local sites, quaint harbors, beautiful coastline, ancient stone circles, freshly caught seafood, local specialties sample and last but not least, the friendliness of the local people.

For lovers of countryside there are rolling downs, rugged seascapes and atmospheric moorlands. For those who enjoy history there are castles, King Arthur connections, the prehistoric and Roman sites. Literature lovers will be thrilled to see the lands of Jane Austen, Agatha Cristie and Daphne Du Maurier. Gourmets will die for the cream teas, real Cornish pasties and farmhouse cooking. It is doubtful that you will ever forget the narrow country lanes where the hedgerows grow higher than the cars, the villages where it's difficult for bicycles to pass let alone motorized vehicles, the thatched cottage hamlets and small fishing harbours accessible only on foot.

This is a suggested tour itinerary for private departures, adjustable to best suit your specific wishes. Price based on how many travelers, your chosen package inclusions and your chosen level of accommodation.

This tour begins and ends in London.

TENTATIVE ITINERARY

Info

Logistical Note: Cornwall is somewhat of a remote part of England and, via quaint rural roads, involves a bit more driving than some other regional itineraries, with a few longish days. We strive to present an itinerary balanced overall by spending several leisurely days in one base. The stunning landscapes throughout are surely worth the journey!

Day 1

Depart London for a full day in Jane Austen Country! It was in the quaint village of Chawton that Jane Austen spent most of her later years, where she completed most of her most famous works, Sense & Sensibility and Pride & Prejudice amongst others. Once inside her cottage, be transported into her world.

Winchester was the original Saxon capital of England. On a walking tour with your guide, be introduced to the general sights, including England’s oldest public schools, and the impressive cathedral, final resting place for Jane Austen.

Time permitting, a stop in Lyme Regis, a popular sea spa town and the site of many Austen family holidays. The town looks much as it did when Jane spent time here, and sites from Persuasion are recognizable.

ON Exeter/Torquay area

Day 2

Torquay is a popular seaside resort, but is perhaps best known as the home base of the queen mystery writer Agatha Christie. Explore some places of her inspiration and her home. If there;s an interest, perhaps a photo stop around scenic West Bay, an area featured recently in the popular tv series Broadchurch.

The remains of the day we can investigate another amazing woman Daphne du Maurier. We may choose to discover the real ‘Jamaica Inn’ if we wish. This is now a bit of a touristy stop, but fun none the less. Alternatively we might choose to route via the coastal area that inspired Rebecca. Then onto Cornwall, our base for the next few days.

Day 3

A day focused on Cornwall Gardens – spoilt for choice in this part of ’tropical Britain!’ The day will include the Lost Gardens of Heligan and a private tour of England’s only tea plantation at Tregothnan.

The Lost Gardens of Helligan is an amazing place represents Europe’s largest restoration project with over 80 acres of award winning landscape, a super walled garden of exotic fruit and 22 acre ‘jungle.’

If time permits, there are a variety of smaller gems nearby to round out our day.

OVERNIGHT: Falmouth, same property as above

Day 4

Learn to cook‘Cornwall in a Day’ with Cornish chef George Pascoe at Philleigh Way, a family operated farmhouse kitchen and garden (subject to availability on your chosen travel dates.)

Enjoy a welcome coffee/tea, a glass of Prosecco mid-morning and wine with lunch. Also enjoy a classic Cornish afternoon tea with jam, scones and home-made clotted cream with a cup of Cornish Tregothnan tea before heading home with a bag full of Cornish delicacies prepared by you during the day. The course includes five demonstrations and three practical sessions. A sample menu of your cooking session includes an authentic Cornish Pasty, Dressed Brown Crab, Saffron Buns, Hog’s pudding and real clotted cream.

OVERNIGHT: Falmouth area, same property as above

Day 5 ND

Full day around Falmouth independently – explore the art museums, meander the seaside, enjoy the antique and other local boutique shopping opportunities, visit Tudor Pendennis Castle or perhaps a ferry ride across to scenic St Mawes for some coastal walking. Maybe a spa treatment at our hotel and a leisurely lunch at a waterfront café would best suit. How you spend your day is up to you!

OVERNIGHT: Falmouth area, same property as above

Day 6

Cornwall icons –St Michael’s Mount and artist haven of St Ives

St Michael’s Mount is the mythical island accessible only by boat or, tides permitting, by walking across the ancient granite causeway. Learn the legends of giants and pilgrims. Discover a medieval castle, a sub-tropical garden and a close-knit island community.

St Ives is a charming harbour town where one can delight at the range of local art galleries, boutique shops and the prestigious Tate Gallery. After an orientation walk with your guide, enjoy some free time to explore as you choose. As a group, there is the option of taking an arts and crafts class together – soap making, sand candles, 'beach find' mosaics are possible creations. (subject to availability on your chosen travel dates.)

OVERNIGHT: St Ives or Penzance

Day 7

Cornwall - icons, coast & countryside

There is so much to see and do around Cornwall! Today we delve deep into the local sites, a lovely day meandering the countryside together. Options for stops include the prehistoric village at Chysauster, the famous open-air Minack theatre, mining museums and of course, Land's End itself.

We will route via the charming seaside hamlet of Mousehole (pronounced "Mowzel,") a stunning collection of homes made of yellow granite from the local quarry. This fishing harbour is quintessentially Cornish! Here learn of Dolly Pentreath, reputedly the last fluent native speaker of the Cornish language.

During our day we can tour Polgoon, a truly Cornish vineyard and cider farm. An experience here includes wine and cider tastings and a nice local lunch of cheese and charcuterie platters and a Cornish crab sandwich. (subject to availability on your chosen travel dates.)

OVERNIGHT: St Ives or Penzance

Day 8

Discover the quaint fishing villages of the north Cornwall and Devon coast.

We have Port Isaac of TV show Doc Martin fame and Boscastle with connections to Thomas Hardy. A highlight today is sure to be rugged Tintagel Castle, the reputed birthplace of King Arthur, which sits high on top of the wild cliffs accessible only by walking.

Also today, the option of lunch together at Rick Stein’s Seafood restaurant in Padstow (subject to availability.) Another lovely day out!

ON Taunton/Glastonbury area

Day 9

A full day today as we make our way back to London, via King Arthur’s reputed burial place of Glastonbury. Here we can discuss the legend of Gwyn ap Nudd, King of the Fairies, while exploring the magical hollow of Glastonbury Tor. As this is England’s New Age capital, we can explore the local goddess culture and discover the magic of the ley lines.

Also see the lovely Wells Cathedral, with its unique scissor arches.

Next is the Georgian city of Bath, city of Jane Austen. This place was enjoyed by the social set of the 18th and 19th centuries. After your orientation tour with your guide, you will have free time to go as you please to visit the Roman Baths and Pump Rooms or simply wander the antique, book and tea shops as you wish.

Return to London this evening.

Please note: All attraction opening times are correct at time of printing this website. While we will do our utmost to include all of the properties mentioned as central visits, we reserve the right to change an attraction should it become impossible to deliver a planned visit due to changes in opening days or times beyond our control.

Please note that your final day to day itinerary may fluctuate to accommodate variable opening times/days for listed attractions, special events and places of interest. Please discuss your needs with us for an individual itinerary with rate quote.

Oft imitated, never duplicated! This is an original SGT itinerary, property of Special Group Tours and to be used only with express permission/in conjunction with SGT.

What Your Tour Package Includes

This is a suggested tour itinerary and can be modified to best you your individual wishes.

Suggested tour package includes: # of touring days with vehicle & exclusive services of your driver/guide/companion, your accommodation for # nights while on the tour including full breakfasts, all taxes and tips other than those you may wish to give your guide. Your price also can include dinners and/or entrance fees to attractions or these items can be left out of the up front package/to be paid directly for maximum flexibility. Airport transfers, accommodation pre and post tour, scheduled city day tours/attraction passes/transport passes or theatre/event tickets can be added to your package as you wish, subject to availability.

The Special Group Tours Advantage is our unique and intimate understanding of what you expect traveling in the UK and Europe. We have not only visited but have spent many years living in and loving the cultures you will experience down the ‘B’ Roads and off the beaten track. We have worked with local suppliers and our guide/companion team for over a decade, creating unique special interest itineraries. Special Group Tours offers our “insider” knowledge to you.

The SGT Small Group Touring Concept is traveling with just 4 - 14 guests per departure. It is our aim to introduce you to the 'real' country and its people, not just ticking the boxes of a standardized route and treating you as an individual and not a number. Our concept allows for a leisurely touring pace and flexibility to get off the beaten track to discover hidden gems. Of course you'll see the major sites but so much more too!

At Special Group Tours, it is our priority that you have the most enjoyable holiday possible. You deserve it!